Malorie Blackman among celebrities in the King’s Birthday Honours

The King’s Birthday Honours celebrate individual outstanding achievements and contributions to British society.

Honours are given to people involved in a range of fields, including sport, health, science and technology, education, business, and the arts and media.

Julia Donaldson (Image: NQ)

Celebrated authors Malorie Blackman and Julia Donaldson have been honoured with damehoods in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Both writers have made significant contributions to literature, particularly in the realm of children’s and young adult fiction, and have been closely linked to Oxford through their educational and cultural work.

Donaldson’s influence in Oxford is marked by her stories being widely celebrated and performed across the city, including stage adaptations at the Oxford Playhouse.

Her educational impact is also notable, with her “Songbirds” phonics reading scheme, published as part of Oxford University Press’s Oxford Reading Tree, used in schools to support early reading development.

This reflects her wider contribution to children’s literacy.

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Queen Camilla with writer Malorie Blackman, who was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the King’s Birthday Honours list in 2023 (Image: Chris Jackson)

Malorie Blackman, best known for her Noughts & Crosses series, has been a regular feature in Oxford’s literary programming, particularly at The Story Museum.

Her work has been used to explore themes of race, identity, and power with young audiences.

In February 2026, she made a special appearance at the museum for a 25th-anniversary event celebrating her Noughts & Crosses series.

This included the development of a new story space inspired by the novel, in collaboration with local organisations and young people.

Blackman’s influence extends beyond Oxford, shaping how literature is experienced and discussed in the city’s cultural spaces.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to children’s literature and her impact on literacy and education, Blackman was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Oxford.

The King’s Birthday Honours list also saw rugby league great Kevin Sinfield knighted for his services to the motor neurone disease (MND) community and to rugby.

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Kevin Sinfield with his OBE award. (Image: (Steve Parsons, PA))

Inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow, who died in 2024 after living with MND for four and a half years, Sir Kevin has raised more than £10 million for MND charities through six running challenges.

He is set to take on his seventh and final endurance challenge in September.

Actress Dame Helen Mirren was made a Companion of Honour for services to drama, an accolade reserved for only 65 people at any one time.

England’s Michelle Agyemang (Image: PA Wire/Nick Potts)

In the world of football, six of the European Championship-winning Lionesses, including Chloe Kelly, Michelle Agyemang, Hannah Hampton, Alessia Russo, Lauren James, and Jess Carter, were made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Lommi and Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley were also awarded MBEs.

David Sproxton and Peter Lord, co-founders of Aardman Animations, were both knighted for their services to the creative industries and to charity.

The honours list also recognised broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews, DJ Judge Jules, and TV presenter Anneka Rice.

Businessman Dave Fishwick, beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury, and 101-year-old Pauline Hough also received honours.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the honourees for their dedication and commitment to others.